Eachine V-tail 210 Quick Start Guide

1.0 General Introduction

• The Eachine V-tail 210 is a highly regarded FPV Racing drone, distinguished by its unique shape and appealing paint scheme. Its new V-tail body design and carbon fiber construction provide superior ruggedness and resistance to damage.
• Based on the SP RACING F3 EVO hardware platform, the Eachine V-tail 210 delivers exceptional flight performance. It features an internal ARM Cortex-M4 72MHz CPU with a Math co-processor (FPU) for efficient flight calculations, enabling faster loop times (up to ~2x) compared to previous STM32F1 based boards.
• The aircraft is equipped with acclaimed EMAX RS2205 motors and Emax Lighting 20A ESCs running the latest BLHELI firmware, ensuring super-fast response, superior power, and an enjoyable FPV flying experience.

⚠️ For your safety and to avoid accidents, you must remove all propellers when connecting the V-tail 210 to a computer.

Visuals of Drone Versions:

The document displays images of four drone configurations:

• ARF Version 1
• ARF Version 2
• RTF Version 1
• RTF Version 2

2.0 Specifications

General Specifications

Flight Controller Specification

Motor Specification (Emax RS2205)

ESC Specification

• Emax lightning-20A, supports Li-po Battery: 2s-4s
• Continuous current: 20A, Burst current: 30A(10s)
• Oneshot125 Ready, Damping light Ready

3.0 Camera and Video Specifications

Camera Specification

• Video format: NTSC or PAL Switchable
• Effective pixel: 1920(H)x1080(V)
• Sensor: 1/3 inch HD CMOS
• Focal length: 3mm
• Lens angle: H:90 degree, V: 90 degree
• Working voltage: 5V
• Working current: 80mA
• Weight: 4g

HMDVR-HD Specification

• Video format: NTSC or PAL Switchable
• Records Effective pixel: 1920(H)x1080(V)
• Records Frame rate: 60 Frames
• Compress Format: MOV
• Video Output size: 640x480
• Size: 50mm x 22mm
• Weight: 6g
• Max support 32G TF Card, Suggest Class10
• Auto-save function: Auto-save every 5 minutes

Note: Short press Button A to Start or Stop Recording Video. Holding it then power on to change Video output format (NTSC to PAL or PAL to NTSC).

5.8G 40ch 200mw Video Transmitter Specification

• Wireless Channel: 40CH
• Modulation: Broadband FM
• Support Video Format: NTSC/PAL
• Video input impedance: 75 Ohm
• Audio input impedance: 10K Ohm
• Output Signal: 23~24dBm
• Output Power: 400mw (Max)
• Working voltage: 5V
• Working current: 500mA
• Connector: RPSMA Connector
• The default channel is 5917

Video Transmitter Channel Selection:

To change the channel, remove the airplane protective guard and move the DIPS 1/2/3/4/5/6.

Frequency Group A:

Frequency Group B:

Frequency Group C:

Frequency Group D:

Frequency Group E:

Channel Table (FR CH):

3.0 Get to Know the Parts of V-tail 210

Drone Components Diagram

A diagram illustrates the main components of the V-tail 210 drone:

• V2101CW: CW Motor
• V2101CCW: CCW Motor
• V2102ESC: ESC (Electronic Speed Controller)
• V2105 Camera: Integrated Camera
• 5045BN / 5045BNR: Propellers (note markings for orientation)
• V2106 PDB+OSD: Power Distribution Board with On-Screen Display module

⚠️ Cautions Propeller Installation: The side which marked characters must be up.

Parts Exploded Views

Detailed exploded views show the assembly of various parts, including:

• Frame components (V2119, V2120, V2121, V2122)
• Arms and protection guards (V2116, V2117, V2123, V2124, V2125, V2126)
• Landing gear (V2123, V2124)
• Motors and ESCs (V2101CW, V2101CCW, V2102ESC)
• Flight Controller (V2103)
• PDB/OSD (V2104)
• Camera and HMDVR (V2105, V2106)
• Video Transmitter (V2107)
• GPS Module (V2109)
• Battery (V2111)
• Various screws, nuts, and mounting hardware (e.g., V2130, V2131, V2132, V2133)
• Optional components like V2139R (Receiver) and V2139T (Transmitter)

Parts List

PDB_OSD Main Board Connection Diagram

A diagram shows the PDB_OSD board connections. Key ports include:

• VIDEO IN: For camera video input.
• VIDEO OUT: For 5.8G VTX video output.
• F3 Configure USB Port: Connect to computer for Cleanflight and Betaflight configuration.
• OSD Configure USB Port: Connect to computer for OSD configuration with MWOSD GUI (requires battery power).
• UART2: Used for PPM/SBUS Receiver input or GPS.
• UART3: Used for GPS or Telemetry module (unavailable when DSM Input is used).
• DSM INPUT: Used for DSM/DSM2/DSMX Receiver input (unavailable when UART3 is used).

4.0 Remote Controller (Optional)

The RTF version includes a remote controller. The V-tail 210 supports two flight modes: STABILIZE and ADVANCED (Rate mode), selectable via the MIX switch (SWB). It is recommended to start with STABILIZE mode for initial flights.

Remote Controller Stick Modes

MIX Switch to "2": Selects STABILIZE Flight Mode.

MIX Switch to "1": Selects ADVANCED Flight Mode.

Remote Controller Components

The remote controller has the following numbered components:

1. Handle
2. Antenna
3. Switch A
4. Switch B
5. Switch C
6. Switch D
7. Left stick
8. Left trim
9. Right trim
10. Right stick
11. Left trim
12. Right trim
13. Up button
14. Enter key
15. Down button
16. Cancel key
17. Code keys
18. Switch
19. LCD Display

5.0 Receiver Configuration (ARF Version)

The V-tail 210 ARF Version requires a receiver and radio controller. It supports PPM, SBUS, DSM, and DSMX receiver inputs.

PPM Receiver Configuration

Connect the PPM receiver to the UART2 port. In Cleanflight configurator, set the receiver mode to RX_PPM.

Cleanflight Configurator - Ports Tab:

Note: Not all combinations are valid. When the flight controller firmware detects this, the serial port configuration will be reset. Do NOT disable MSP on the first serial port unless you know what you are doing. You may have to reflash and erase your configuration if you do.

Cleanflight Configurator - Receiver Mode:

• RX_PPM: PPM RX input
• RX_SERIAL: Serial-based receiver (SPEKSAT, SBUS, SUMD)
• RX_PARALLEL_PWM: PWM RX input (one wire per channel)
• RX_MSP: MSP RX input (control via MSP port)

Cleanflight Configurator - Serial Receiver Provider:

Note: Remember to configure a Serial Port (via Ports tab) and choose a Serial Receiver Provider when using RX_SERIAL feature.

• SPEKTRUM1024
• SPEKTRUM2048
• SBUS
• SUMD
• SUMH
• XBUS_MODE_B
• XBUS_MODE_B_RJ01
• IBUS

SBUS Receiver Configuration

Connect the SBUS receiver to the UART2 port. Enable Serial RX for UART2 and set Receiver mode to RX_SERIAL. Select SBUS signal in Cleanflight configurator.

Cleanflight Configurator - Ports Tab: (Same as PPM configuration above)

Cleanflight Configurator - Receiver Mode: Select RX_SERIAL.

Cleanflight Configurator - Serial Receiver Provider: Select SBUS.

DSM/DSM2/DSMX Receiver Configuration

Plug the DSM/DSM2/DSMX receiver to the DSM Port. Enable Serial RX for UART3 and set Receiver mode to RX_SERIAL. Select Spektrum1024 (DSM/DSM2) or Spektrum2048 (DSMX) in Cleanflight configurator.

⚠️ Please Connect GPS to UART2 when you used DSM/DSM2/DSMX Receiver.

Cleanflight Configurator - Ports Tab:

Note: Not all combinations are valid. When the flight controller firmware detects this, the serial port configuration will be reset. Do NOT disable MSP on the first serial port unless you know what you are doing. You may have to reflash and erase your configuration if you do.

Cleanflight Configurator - Receiver Mode: Select RX_SERIAL.

Cleanflight Configurator - Serial Receiver Provider: Select SPEKTRUM1024 or SPEKTRUM2048.

6.0 Attention Before Flight

• The V-tail 210 Quadcopter is recommended for pilots 14 years or older with RC hobby experience.
• Only fly the V-tail 210 in dry weather with low wind. Avoid flying in rain or heavy foggy conditions.
• Always choose large open fields for flying. Check local laws and ordinances for legal flying areas.
• Always keep at least 10 feet (approx. 3 meters) distance to the aircraft when armed to avoid injury from high-speed propellers. Always disarm before handling the aircraft.
• Do not fly close to high-voltage power lines, cell phone towers, or radio towers, as these may disrupt your control signal.
• ALWAYS check local laws BEFORE flying. NEVER fly over crowds, concerts, or sports stadiums.

7.0 Charge the Battery

Connect the power cable to the wall outlet. The power adapter accepts voltage from 100V to 240V. When correctly powered, the charger LED screen will display status.

Insert the Lipo battery balance plug into the Charsoon DC-4S charger.

During charging, the LED screen will display total battery voltage and single cell voltage cyclically. When charging is completed, the total voltage should be 16.8V (±0.1V~0.2V).

⚠️ IMPORTANT ISSUE YOU MUST PAY ATTENTION TO:

• The DC-4S Charger can ONLY be used for 2s/3s/4s batteries. NEVER attempt to charge more than one battery at any time, as the charger may get damaged or catch fire.
• During charging, the DC-4S should be placed in a dry and ventilated place, far away from heat sources and flammable or explosive substances.
• Always remove the battery from the aircraft before charging.
• Never charge unsupervised; stay close and keep an eye on the charger for the entire duration of the process.
• Always allow the battery to cool down before charging, for at least 10 minutes. Overheated batteries may swell or catch fire while charging.
• Before connecting the battery, ensure the polarity is correct.
• Avoid dropping the battery while charging.
• DO NOT charge a damaged battery (if the battery has cuts, swelling, or is bent, do not charge).
• Dispose of damaged batteries by submerging them in salt-water for 30 minutes, then take them to a battery recycling facility.

Battery Charging Diagram Description:

The diagram shows a power supply connecting to a power adapter, which in turn connects to the Charsoon DC-4S Balance charger. The charger is connected to a 14.8V Lipo battery.

8.0 Ready for Flight

Propeller Installation

Instructions:

• Fix the 5045BN propeller (Counterclockwise) onto the M1 (CW motor, Inverted mounted) and M4 (CCW motor).
• Fix the 5045BNR propeller (Clockwise) onto the M2 (CW motor) and M3 (CCW motor, Inverted mounted).
• Use the Counterclockwise Locking Nut for Black propellers and Clockwise Locking Nut for Silver propellers.
• Tighten the propeller locking nut manually and ensure the propeller is properly installed and fastened.

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTES: The side which marked characters must be up.

Battery Installation

1. Place the battery anti-slip mat into the bottom carbon board.

2. Position the battery at the bottom and adjust it forward-backward for perfect balance, ensuring no interference with other equipment. Firmly secure the battery with the velcro strap.

Flight Preparation Checklist

Attention:

1. Place the aircraft in a wide open space, with the rear facing you (this is known as "TAIL IN").
2. Set the SWB switch to position "2". (If not an RTF version, set the flight model to STABILIZE). Set all trims and dials to the middle position, move the throttle to the lowest position, then turn on the Remote Controller.
3. Video receiving equipment (e.g., FPV monitor with 5.8G wireless video receiver, goggles) is needed to display the image and OSD information.
4. The V-tail 210 mini-quad has a low-voltage alarm beeper. The OSD provides visual feedback for remaining battery power, flight time, flight height, attitude line, flight speed, coordinates, and direction. When voltage drops below 14.0 volts, the beeper will sound an alarm. The V-tail 210 is designed for FPV racing and does not have an "automatic landing mode".

9.0 Motor ARM/DISARM

The V-tail 210 ARF/RTF is pre-set with AUX1(CH5) to ARM/DISARM the motor. For the RTF Version, this is the SWA Switch. For the ARF Version, you need to set this up yourself. You can also customize the ARM/DISARM function to any switch using the CLEANFLIGHT CONFIGURATOR.

Arming and Disarming Steps

1. First, check that all trims are neutral and the throttle stick is all the way down (displaying 0% throttle).
2. Push the SWA MIX switch to the "2" position. All LED lights should turn blue, and the buzzer should emit a "B~B" sound, indicating that the motors are armed. Be very careful at this point, as pushing the throttle stick up will start the motors. You can test by pushing the stick up slightly to confirm the motors start.
3. Push the SWA MIX switch to the "1" position. The front LED should turn green, and the buzzer should emit a "B~B" sound, indicating that the motors are disarmed.
4. TEST: Push the throttle stick up slightly; the motors should not start when disarmed.

⚠️ WARNING: Do not hesitate to land when you hear the alarm or see the OSD indicating 14.0 volts.

OSD Information Display

The OSD displays critical flight information such as Latitude, Longitude, GPS status, Flight Mode (e.g., STAB), Speed, Altitude, Battery Voltage (e.g., 14.8V), and Flight Time (e.g., 2:18).

10.0 Proximity FPV Obstacle Flying & End Flight

Proximity FPV Obstacle Flying

• This type of flying is best suited for experienced pilots requiring high-speed obstacle avoidance skills.
• Recommended FPV range is 200m, depending on the environment.
• Avoid flying over people, animals, crowds, concerts, or sports stadiums. Also, avoid flying close to power lines and cell phone towers, as these can cause crashes.

End Flight Procedure

1. Land the aircraft and disarm (lock) the motors.
2. Power off the aircraft by unplugging the battery.
3. Turn off the radio transmitter.
4. Finally, remove the battery from the aircraft.

11.0 Firmware Flash for The V-tail 210

This section covers flashing Cleanflight Firmware onto the F3 EVO Flight Controller. Betaflight follows the same steps.

Installing the ST Drivers (For Windows Only)

1. Download and install the DfuSe demo package.
2. Open an explorer window and navigate to the installation directory (e.g., C:\Program Files (x86)\STMicroelectronics\Software\DfuSe v3.0.5\Bin\Driver).
3. Browse two folders deeper to the folder corresponding to your Operating System version (x86-32bit or x64-64bit).
4. Click the dpinst_x##.exe file to install the driver.

Installing Cleanflight Configurator (For Windows Only)

It is recommended to use Cleanflight Configurator v 1.2.3 or later. Ensure you have Google Chrome installed.

Get the latest Cleanflight Configurator from the Chrome Web Store (+ Add to Chrome).

A screenshot shows the Cleanflight Configurator interface with options like Overview, Reviews, Support, and Related.

Replacing the ST Driver with WinUSB Driver (For Windows Only)

1. Connect the V-tail 210 to your computer via the F3 configure USB port.
2. Open the Cleanflight Configurator; you should see the serial COM port detected.

A screenshot shows the Cleanflight Configurator interface detecting COM187 at 115200 baud rate.

Firmware Flashing Steps

1. In Cleanflight Configurator, navigate to the "Firmware Flash" menu.
2. Select the latest firmware for the F3 EVO flight controller and load it either [Online] or [Local].
3. Click "Flash Firmware". Wait for the ST DFU DRIVER automatic installation. A "DFU" port should appear in the top right corner upon successful installation.
4. Download and launch Zadig.
5. In Zadig, select Options > List All Devices.
6. Choose "STM32 Bootloader" from the dropdown. Select "WinUSB" as the replacement driver. Click "Replace Driver". (If the process is slow or unresponsive, close and reopen Zadig and try again).
7. After the driver replacement is complete, go back to Cleanflight Configurator and click "Flash Firmware" again. The firmware should flash successfully.

Recovery/Lost Communication: If communication is lost, follow these steps: Power off, enable "No reboot sequence", perform "Full chip erase", jumper BOOT pins or hold BOOT button, power on (activity LED should not flash if done correctly), install STM32 drivers and Zadig if required, close configurator and Chrome apps, restart configurator, release BOOT button, flash correct firmware (using manual baud rate if specified), power off, remove BOOT jumper, power on (activity LED should flash), and connect normally.

12.0 How to Install MW OSD Firmware

Preparation

• Download the MW OSD software pack.
• Download the Arduino IDE flavor matching your system.

Testing Firmware Communication Flashing

1. Connect the V-tail 210 to the computer via the OSD configure USB port and power on the aircraft with the battery.
2. Start Arduino IDE.
3. Select appropriate board: Tools > Board > Arduino Pro or Pro Mini 5V, 16MHz, w/ ATmega328.
4. Select the proper serial port in menu: Tools > Serial Port.
5. Click the "Upload" button and observe the serial console. Success is indicated by white text on a black background stating the binary sketch size. Red messages indicate an error.

Firmware Flashing

1. Connect the OSD to the FTDI adapter, and the adapter to the PC.
2. Start Arduino IDE.
3. Select File > Open, browse to the MW_OSD folder, and select 'MW_OSD.ino'.
4. A new Arduino IDE window will appear.
5. Ensure the correct board (Tools > Board > Arduino Pro or Pro Mini 5V, 16MHz, w/ ATmega328) and serial port are selected.
6. Edit the config.h tab to select the correct OSD hardware, Flight controller, and aircraft type.
7. Click "Upload" and observe the serial console.

To test, close Arduino IDE and start the MW OSD GUI. It should connect and function normally with the newly flashed OSD.

Updating Fonts

• Connect to the OSD using the GUI.
• Select the desired font; otherwise, the default will be used.
• The chosen font will be visible in the simulator window.
• Select upload from the GUI.
• NOTE: Check the FAQ; fonts require the OSD to be powered correctly to save.

Save OSD Configuration

If the OSD display is not full on the FPV screen or if you changed the Video format (by short pressing the HMDVR-HD button), you must change the Video format in the MWOSD GUI to match the video output. Don't forget to click "write" to update after changing settings.

Settings Options: READ, WRITE, DEFAULT, RESTART.

13.0 How to Use Bluetooth with V-tail 210

Enable MSP for UART3, then connect Bluetooth to UART3. (When UART3 is connected to Bluetooth, DSM input is unavailable). Power on the battery for the V-tail 210 and use your Android mobile phone to pair with the Bluetooth.

Cleanflight Configurator - Ports Tab:

Note: Not all combinations are valid. When the flight controller firmware detects this, the serial port configuration will be reset. Do NOT disable MSP on the first serial port unless you know what you are doing. You may have to reflash and erase your configuration if you do.

Download the EZ-GUI APP from Google Play to your Android mobile phone. Go to Settings, select the Bluetooth option, and press the "Select MultiWii BT" button. A list of available devices will be shown. Choose the correct one, and you are ready to go.